CompTIA A+ flashcards, generated for you.

Core 1 (220-1101) covers hardware, networking, and mobile devices. Core 2 (220-1102) covers operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, and operational procedures.

BIOS/UEFI initializes hardware during boot, performs POST (Power-On Self Test), loads the bootloader, and provides runtime services for the operating system. UEFI is the modern replacement with superior features like GPT support and secure boot.

RAM is volatile, temporary memory used by the CPU for active tasks (speed-critical). Storage is non-volatile permanent memory (HDD/SSD) that retains data when powered off. RAM affects performance; storage affects capacity and data persistence.

OSI has 7 layers (Physical, Data Link, Network, Transport, Session, Presentation, Application). Layers 1-2 handle physical/hardware transmission; Layer 3 (Network) handles logical IP addressing; Layers 4-7 handle software and application functions.

DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses, subnet masks, gateways, and DNS servers to network clients. If DHCP fails, the device assigns itself an APIPA address (169.254.x.x), allowing only local link communication without internet access.

Symmetric encryption uses one shared key (fast, used for bulk data). Asymmetric uses public/private key pair (slower, used for secure key exchange and digital signatures). HTTPS uses asymmetric to exchange a symmetric session key for performance.

UAC prompts for administrator approval before executing privileged actions, preventing unauthorized changes. This enforces principle of least privilege by requiring explicit consent to exceed standard user permissions, reducing malware impact.

NTFS supports file permissions, encryption, journaling, and files >4GB; used for modern Windows and external drives needing security. FAT32 lacks permissions/encryption, has 4GB file limit; used for legacy compatibility, USB bootable media, gaming consoles.

Firewalls filter inbound/outbound traffic based on rules. Stateless firewalls examine each packet independently against rules. Stateful firewalls track connection state and allow return traffic from established connections, providing better security and application awareness.

1) Identify the problem (symptoms, questions, documentation), 2) Establish theory (probable causes), 3) Test theory, 4) Establish plan (if theory confirmed), 5) Implement solution, 6) Verify solution, 7) Document (findings, actions, outcomes, lessons learned).